Dual Language Winter Fiesta
Draws Crowd
It was a celebration of good food, friends and fun as a crowd numbering more than 400 turned out for this year's dual language program winter fiesta in the Huntington School District.
The two-hour event, held in the Jack Abrams School gymnasium, featured a potluck dinner and an extensive selection of foods. Families proudly brought dishes reflecting their cultural heritage, ranging from Central and South America to Europe and even Asia.
"This event is put together to give all the dual language families the opportunity to gather around this time of the year to get to know each other better and to discuss their children's accomplishments in the program," said Carmen Kasper, director of foreign language, ESL and bilingual programs.
The event provided an opportunity "to celebrate the bilingual teachers who are hardworking, dedicated, creative and focused on their students' successes," Ms. Kasper said. "Their goal is to ensure their students are proficient not only in English, but in Spanish, as well."
Dual language classes move together from one grade level to another each year, "so they develop a bond that has a very positive effect on their schooling," Ms. Kasper said. "There is always an atmosphere of camaraderie in the DL classes."
Huntington School Board members Kim Brown, Richard McGrath and Emily Rogan were in attendance and addressed the large crowd. Jefferson School Principal Margaret H. Evers was also on hand. The school officials took turns congratulating the parents, students and teachers for their accomplishments.
"Like all family reunions, we have fun and share food, which the parents bring in great quantities and different flavors," Ms. Kasper said. "This yearly gathering has become a tradition now. All parents, students, teachers and bilingual aides look forward to this night every year."
Preparations for the event started early in the year, with invitations sent out to all dual language program families. Department secretary Lori Bennett worked feverishly to coordinate aspects of the evening, from making sure there were enough tables and chairs, utensils, dishes and cups to arranging for balloons to be placed around the site to make the gym a more attractive setting.
Ms. Kapser thanked Director of Facilities Paul Rispoli and Operations Supervisor Alvin White along with buildings and grounds department staff members for pitching in and doing their share behind the scenes to help make the event a successful one.